"[Commander of the Iranian Navy, Rear Adm. Habibollah] Sayyari first announced Iran would begin a naval buildup 'near maritime borders of the United States' in September 2011. The move is part of Iran's response to Washington's sizeable naval presence in the Persian Gulf."

"The US Navy's 5th fleet, which is responsible for naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean, is based in Bahrain."

"'Like the arrogant powers that are present near our maritime borders, we will also have a powerful presence close to the American marine borders,' Sayyari said at the time."